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Hi everyone,
I’m ThomasFrank, 24 years old, and I’ve been lurking on this forum for a while but finally decided to post because I’m freaking out. Over the past six months, I’ve noticed my hair thinning at an alarming rate, especially around my temples and crown. It started with a little recession I could ignore, but now I’m shedding like crazy - finding clumps in the shower and on my pillow. I’ve always had thick hair, so this is hitting me hard. I’m not sure what’s causing it - stress, genetics, or maybe something else? My dad started balding in his 30s, but I didn’t expect this so soon.
I’ve tried over-the-counter minoxidil (5%) for about a month, but I haven’t seen any improvement yet, and I’m worried it’s too late. I’m also terrified of side effects from stuff like finasteride - I’ve read horror stories online about libido issues, and at 24, that’s not something I want to risk. I can’t tell if I’m overreacting or if this is really as bad as it feels. My confidence is tanking, and I don’t know where to start.
Can anyone help me figure out what’s going on? Has anyone been in a similar spot at my age? What worked for you? Should I see a dermatologist, or is there something I can try at home first? I’d really appreciate any advice or encouragement - feeling pretty lost here.
I’m ThomasFrank, 24 years old, and I’ve been lurking on this forum for a while but finally decided to post because I’m freaking out. Over the past six months, I’ve noticed my hair thinning at an alarming rate, especially around my temples and crown. It started with a little recession I could ignore, but now I’m shedding like crazy - finding clumps in the shower and on my pillow. I’ve always had thick hair, so this is hitting me hard. I’m not sure what’s causing it - stress, genetics, or maybe something else? My dad started balding in his 30s, but I didn’t expect this so soon.
I’ve tried over-the-counter minoxidil (5%) for about a month, but I haven’t seen any improvement yet, and I’m worried it’s too late. I’m also terrified of side effects from stuff like finasteride - I’ve read horror stories online about libido issues, and at 24, that’s not something I want to risk. I can’t tell if I’m overreacting or if this is really as bad as it feels. My confidence is tanking, and I don’t know where to start.
Can anyone help me figure out what’s going on? Has anyone been in a similar spot at my age? What worked for you? Should I see a dermatologist, or is there something I can try at home first? I’d really appreciate any advice or encouragement - feeling pretty lost here.